Senator Zeldin Announces Senate Passage of His Legislation Restricting a Registered Sex Offender from Residing Within 500 Feet of a School

Albany, NY- Senator Lee M. Zeldin (R, C, I- Shirley) announced that the New York State Senate last night passed his legislation that restricts a registered sex offender from residing within 500 feet of a school.

“This legislation will help ensure that our children are protected,” said Senator Zeldin.

This bill is designed to give children a further buffer from sexual offenders by preventing already convicted offenders from residing within 500 feet of a school. Studies have shown that recidivism rates for sex offenders are higher than ninety percent. The enactment of this bill is a necessary step towards ensuring the safety of the children of the state and preventing them from becoming targets of opportunity to criminals who already have proven themselves a danger to children.

“Our communities should not be dumping grounds for sexual offenders. By preventing convicted level 1, 2, or 3 sex offenders from residing within 500 feet of a building used exclusively as an elementary or high school, we can provide security to not only our children but also parents,” said Senator Zeldin.

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In 2010, the State Education Department secured Race to the Top Funding from the U.S. Department of Education. In exchange for $700 Million in funding, the state education department made various commitments related to educational standards, testing, a teacher evaluation system, and data collection.